If you want a hearty meal that’s easy to make, look no further. In this article, I’ll share with you everything you have to know about how to cook a pot roast in the oven.
It’s been one of our favorite weekend family dinners for as long as I can remember. My sister and I enjoy helping mom out in our tiny kitchen peeling potatoes and carrots for the roast and all was well in the world.
I remember the smell of the roast cooking in the oven while we play board games and talk about the week. Those were good old days and great memories that I now want to share with my own family and hopefully, to yours too!
It’s generally inexpensive compared to ordering at a sit-down restaurant. I also find it more intimate and special when you serve food you personally made.
A pot roast is any lean cut of beef cooked in a low and slow method. This is a common family dinner recipe because it’s hearty yet inexpensive. I would usually go with chuck roast, chuck steak, or brisket.
Then I start by searing it, then braise it and finish it in the oven. The length of the cooking method depends on the cut of beef that you got.
Therefore, you need to familiarize yourself with the different lean cuts of beef. Since they have very low-fat content they can easily get tough and dry. You will be surprised that how long to cook chuck roast in the oven at 350 may differ if you are cooking a chuck roast, we do not want to make it complicate it.
It is just easy, we promise.
If we got you interested to know more and understand what is the difference between chuck roast and chuck steak we got you covered.
When Cooking A Roast In The Oven Should I Cover It?
No, you don’t have to cover a roast when baking it in the oven. This creates unnecessary moisture that the meat already gets from the drippings and it’s own juices. Before cooking the roast in the oven, you normally sear it to create a slightly crispy brown crust, and covering it will ruin that.
How To Slow Cook A Roast In The Oven So It Falls Apart?
If you want to have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth roast, you will need a lot of patience. To have a tender roast that falls apart, you need to do it low and slow. This means you cook it at a low temperature over a long period. It usually takes 2 to 4 hours depending on the type and size of the meat you’re working with.
Chuck steak is one of the best meats to use in roasts, slow cooker meals, or even grilled. Learn how to cook chuck steak to surprise your family with a budget-friendly yet luxurious tasting steak!
How Do You Tell If A Roast Is Done?
A foolproof way to check if your meat is done is to use a thermometer.
120° F – 140° F is rare
145° F – 150° F is medium rare
160° F – 170° F is medium
175° F or higher is well done
For leaner cuts like chuck roast, chuck steak, round or brisket, you want to stick between medium-rare to medium. That’s the soft spot where they stay moist and tender. If you cook them a little over well done, you’ll end up with a tough, gamey steak.
How Do I Cook Pot Roast In The Oven?
Making a mouthwatering pot roast is surprisingly easy. You want to start by placing an oven rack in the center rack and preheating your oven to 350° F. While you wait for it to reach the right temperature, begin preparing the meat.
Keep the seasoning simple so it won’t overpower the beefy flavor of the roast, a little salt and pepper are enough. Take this time to chop up your veggies too.
Now sear the meat in a cast-iron skillet for about 4 minutes on each side until it forms a sexy brown crust. Once it does, add onions, garlic, a cup or two of beef broth, red wine, rosemary, and a little Worcestershire sauce. Let it simmer then place it in the preheated oven for up to 4 hours until you reach your desired doneness.
About 45 minutes towards the end of the baking time, add your veggies to the skillet. This makes them tender but not mushy and gives them time to soak up the flavors of the roast. Once it’s done, let it rest for about 15 minutes.
Slice up the meat against the grain, put the veggies on the side, and drizzle with the drippings! Bon Appetit!
See? Contrary to popular opinion, making a pot roast does take practice but it’s not complicated. I love experimenting with my pot roast with different veggies and herbs too.
Let me know how you did yours in the comments below!
